Why a Coby White Trade Makes Sense for the Mavericks - and the Bulls
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Dallas Mavericks had one glaring hole: point guard. With Kyrie Irving still sidelined as he recovers from a torn ACL, and Luka Dončić no longer in Dallas following a blockbuster trade, the Mavs were left scrambling to fill the void at the one. And let’s be honest - the options they’ve cycled through haven’t exactly inspired confidence.
They’ve tried Brandon Williams. They’ve given Ryan Nembhard a shot.
D’Angelo Russell has gotten run. Even rookie Cooper Flagg was thrown into the fire to start the season at point guard - a move that, while promising for his long-term development, quickly showed he’s not a natural floor general just yet.
The Mavericks are in win-now mode, or at least trying to stay competitive while Irving rehabs and the post-Dončić era takes shape. That’s why their reported interest in Bulls guard Coby White makes a lot of sense - and why a trade centered around Daniel Gafford and a future second-round pick could be the right move for both sides.
The Proposed Deal:
Mavericks receive: Coby White
Bulls receive: Daniel Gafford, 2030 Philadelphia second-round pick
Why This Works for Dallas
Let’s start with the Mavericks. Their roster is still filled with high-level role players - PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and the aforementioned Flagg - but they’re missing a lead ball-handler who can create his own shot and keep the offense humming.
That was Dončić’s job. That was supposed to be Kyrie’s job.
Right now, it’s nobody’s job, and it shows.
Coby White isn’t a traditional point guard, but he is a proven scorer who can handle the ball, attack off the dribble, and stretch the floor. He may not rack up double-digit assists, but he commands enough defensive attention to open up opportunities for others. That’s the kind of offensive gravity Dallas desperately needs in the backcourt.
And while White is headed for free agency this summer, acquiring him now gives the Mavericks a leg up in re-signing him. They’d have his Bird rights, and with Irving’s health still a question mark, locking in a younger, durable guard like White could be a smart insurance policy - or even a long-term solution.
Giving up Gafford stings a bit, especially considering how effective he was during the team’s Finals run last season. His rim protection and vertical spacing were a perfect fit next to Dončić.
But this season has been a different story. Gafford’s struggled to stay on the court - logging just 30 games - and his production has dipped across the board.
With the frontcourt now featuring Davis, Lively, Washington, and Flagg, Dallas can afford to move him in order to shore up a bigger need.
Why It Makes Sense for Chicago
From the Bulls’ perspective, White has become a valuable piece, but he’s also one of their most tradable assets - especially with his contract situation and the team’s desire to free up cap space for a potential splash in free agency.
The Bulls aren’t looking to take on long-term money for players who may not crack their rotation. That likely rules out offers involving guys like Caleb Martin or Jaden Hardy.
But Gafford? That’s a different story.
Gafford, drafted by Chicago back in 2019, would be a homecoming of sorts. And while his injury history is a concern, his skill set is exactly what the Bulls need.
Head coach Billy Donovan has spoken openly about the team’s lack of defensive identity - Isaac Okoro is currently their only true defensive stopper on the perimeter. Adding a rim-protecting big like Gafford could help anchor a defense that’s been far too soft in the paint.
There’s also the Nikola Vučević factor. The veteran center is set to hit free agency, and at 36 years old, it’s unclear if he’s part of Chicago’s long-term plans. Gafford, under contract for a manageable $54.3 million over the next three seasons, gives the Bulls a younger, more athletic option at the five - someone who fits better with the timeline of their current core, which includes Josh Giddey and other emerging talents.
And let’s not overlook the second-round pick Dallas is including. It’s a modest sweetener, but it helps offset the risk of taking on an injury-prone player like Gafford.
If he stays healthy, he could be a steal. If not, the Bulls still gain some flexibility heading into a crucial offseason.
Big Picture: A Balanced Trade That Fills Needs
This isn’t a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of deal that could quietly benefit both teams.
For Dallas, it’s a calculated risk that addresses their most pressing need. White may not be a pure point guard, but he’s a proven scorer who can take pressure off the offense and potentially grow into a bigger role. He’s also just entering his prime - a valuable trait for a team looking to build something sustainable around its new core.
For Chicago, it’s a chance to strengthen their interior defense, move toward a younger frontcourt, and open up cap space for bigger moves down the line. Gafford’s health is a question mark, but if he can recapture the form he showed during the Mavs’ Finals run, he could be a foundational piece moving forward.
Sometimes, the best trades aren’t the flashiest - they’re the ones that make both teams better today and tomorrow. This one checks both boxes.